Seattle –
Jose Soriano allowed just one run over 7 2/3 innings, Luis Rengifo returned from the disabled list with a key two-run single and the Angels beat the Seattle Mariners 5-1 on Tuesday night.
The Angels won for the sixth time in eight games thanks to a strong performance from Soriano (6-7), who threw 100 pitches and went seven-plus innings for the first time this season.
“He played great and we needed everything he gave us,” Angels manager Ron Washington said. “He was able to step on the mound and pitch some great innings. We wanted him to pitch as long as possible, and he did a great job.”
Soriano, who appeared against Seattle for the second straight game in his first appearance in 10 days, allowed three hits and struck out five. His only run came in the top of the fifth inning after leadoff hitter Jason Vosler hit a double play and scored on a double play.
“My control and my command are better,” Soriano said through a translator.
Before leaving the frame, Washington took to the mound to talk with Soriano.
“Sometimes with young guys, you try to protect a lead,” Washington said. “When you get the points, you get the points. He did what he had to do to get out of that situation.”
Seattle lost for the seventh time in eight games and was again lackluster offensively on a day when the Mariners placed Julio Rodriguez and J.P. Crawford on the 10-day disabled list and designated first baseman Ty France for undrafted play.
Seattle has scored two or fewer points in six of its seven losses.
“We’re trying to get through this hump. There’s good and bad times during the season,” Seattle coach Scott Servais said. “With some key players out, we’ve got to keep working to get through this.”
Seattle had a chance with the bases loaded and two outs in the eighth inning, but Ben Joyce got Jorge Polanco to fly out to the warning track in center field to save the day.
The Angels scored five runs in the fifth inning against Seattle All-Star Logan Gilbert (6-6), but the Mariners committed two errors in the inning and Mickey Moniak drew a walk with the bases loaded to force in a run.
Zach Neto attempted a sacrifice bunt that Gilbert caught but got catcher Cal Lowry out, allowing two runs in. Rengifo closed the inning with a single to left-center field, his first game since July 3 after missing time with right wrist inflammation.
Making his first start since the hiatus, Gilbert struck out eight in 6 2/3 innings and allowed five runs, one of which was earned. Gilbert struck out the first 12 batters he faced before struggling.
“There was nothing wrong with the way he threw tonight. He wasn’t getting banged up in the ballpark. But we need to play clean, we need to play what we normally play,” Servais said.
UP NEXT: Seattle is scheduled to start right-hander Luis Castillo (8-10, 3.55 ERA) in the series finale on Wednesday. The Angels have not named a starting pitcher.